Special Topics in Voice Disorders

A voice disorder is any abnormality of the voice production system that results in a change in your voice that is unsatisfactory to you. You may experience numerous symptoms, or perhaps there is only one symptom that bothers you. The symptoms may be persistent or you may experience them only intermittently. Your symptoms may include:

Hoarseness or other change in the pitch, timbre or quality of your voice

Vocal fatigue

Loss of a portion of your speaking or singing range

Difficulty with register transitions of the speaking or singing voice

Discomfort or burning sensation in the throat

Sensation of “something” in your throat

Difficulty making the voice sufficiently loud or soft

Breathlessness when you speak

Tremor quality or abrupt starts and stops of your voice that you have difficulty controlling

Feeling the need to cough or clear your throat frequently

Tightness, discomfort or a burning sensation in the throat

There are numerous different causes of voice disorders, and different types of voice disorders have similar symptoms. Rarely do voice problems occur overnight. More commonly, they are the result of lifestyle choices— occupational or social vocal demands – often combined with health problems or other personal factors.

We understand how anxiety-provoking these symptoms can be. We’re here to help

The otolaryngologists at the Voice and Swallowing Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai provide a complete range of voice disorder treatments and services. Our highly trained experts treat the most serious voice disorders and also common conditions like: